Today’s Reflection
Gospel: Luke 1: 57-66. 80

June 24, 2026 | Wednesday

Today’s Gospel 

When the time came for Elizabeth, she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the merciful Lord had done a wonderful thing for her, and they rejoiced with her.

When, on the eighth day, they came to attend the circumcision of the child, they wanted to name him Zechariah after his father. But his mother said, “Not so; he shall be called John.” They said to her, “But no one in your family has that name!” and they made signs to his father for the name he wanted to give him. Zechariah asked for a writing tablet, and wrote on it, “His name is John;” and they were very surprised. Immediately, Zechariah could speak again, and his first words were in praise of God.

A holy fear came on all in the neighborhood, and throughout the hill country of Judea the people talked about these events. All who heard of it, pondered in their minds, and wondered, “What will this child be?” For they understood that the hand of the Lord was with him.

As the child grew up, he was seen to be strong in the Spirit; and he lived in the desert, until the day when he appeared openly in Israel.

Today’s Reflection

What’s in a name? It is said that the names given to us speak greatly of our character and mission. Though this may not always hold true today, when parents often name their children after fictional characters or celebrities, our names still carry interesting stories to tell. One such story is the naming of John the Baptist on the day of his circumcision. Holy fear and amazement filled the people of Judea when they heard about it. He was given the name John to signify that he was sent by God, a blessing to his aging parents and a voice calling people to prepare for the coming of the Lord. In baptism, we too received a new name and identity: Christian, meaning “belonging to Christ.” As Christians, we are given a special mission to proclaim God’s marvelous works through our words and actions.

May we, like John the Baptist, prepare ourselves and others for the coming of the Lord.

/Vulnerasti, 2026